Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Recurrent Numbness In The Left Arm?
i have periodic numbness in my left arm that lasts just 10-20 sec and happens sporadically. I have worked in the trades for over 25 years and have rotator cuff issues for obvious reasons. just met with a dr who is thinking carpal tunnel... doesnt seem right though... thoughts?
Tue, 26 Mar 2019
Hello,
Upper limb is divided into 3 parts (arm, forearm & hand) with 3 major joint(Shoulder joint, elbow joint and wrist joint).
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens at the wrist level due to the tightness of the flexor retinaculum. You complain stands for the arm numbness so I don't consider the carpal tunnel syndrome here. It could be related to the RCI as the muscles might have got damaged and biophysiological changes in the biomechanics of the shoulder joint must have made changes in the trapezium muscles. This may have changed the normal curvature of the cervical spine leading to nerve root entrapment.
Having an x-ray or MRI of the cervical spine can help understand the deviation in the cervical spine normal curvature and also the soft tissue changes.
Using cervical collar, hot water fermentation, static neck exercise, IASTM for trapezius, RCI shoulder rehabilitation etc should give a positive outcome.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Jay Indravadan Patel, Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist
Upper limb is divided into 3 parts (arm, forearm & hand) with 3 major joint(Shoulder joint, elbow joint and wrist joint).
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens at the wrist level due to the tightness of the flexor retinaculum. You complain stands for the arm numbness so I don't consider the carpal tunnel syndrome here. It could be related to the RCI as the muscles might have got damaged and biophysiological changes in the biomechanics of the shoulder joint must have made changes in the trapezium muscles. This may have changed the normal curvature of the cervical spine leading to nerve root entrapment.
Having an x-ray or MRI of the cervical spine can help understand the deviation in the cervical spine normal curvature and also the soft tissue changes.
Using cervical collar, hot water fermentation, static neck exercise, IASTM for trapezius, RCI shoulder rehabilitation etc should give a positive outcome.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Jay Indravadan Patel, Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....